|
|
Healthcare Professionals
|
|
Contact:
To learn more about Mercy’s Center for Weight Management,
To learn more about Mercy’s Center for Weight Management,
call 312.567.5555.
|
During the past 20 years there has been a dramatic increase in obesity in the United States. More than 65 percent of U.S. adults are now overweight or obese. A number of factors—including behavior, genetics, and social, environmental, and cultural influences—can lead to weight gain. Obesity, which is defined as a body mass index (BMI) greater than 30, increases a person’s risk for a number of diseases, including Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, stroke, hypertension, osteoarthritis, increased cholesterol, gallbladder disease, and cancer.
Fortunately, reducing body weight by just 5 to 10 percent can have a significant impact on one’s health. A fad diet that promises quick-and-easy weight loss, however, is not a healthy or long-term solution. For adults in search of a sensible weight-loss program, Mercy’s Center for Weight Management offers a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary approach to weight management in a safe and caring setting.  No two people are the same, and no two people face the challenge of weight loss in exactly the same way. That’s why our physicians, dietitians, therapists and exercise physiologists work with participants to establish weight-loss goals and develop personalized diet and exercise plans. It’s a rigorous program that requires hard work and a commitment to weight-loss; but our dedicated staff and team of experts work with participants every step of the way, offering the education and support that will help them make healthy choices for life.Weight-Loss Program Mercy’s Center for Weight Management is centered around an intensive 16-week program. All of the methods used in the program are based on sound medical strategies and physicians supervise all activities. The program is covered by most medical insurance plans, including Medicaid. Here’s how the program works: 1. A comprehensive evaluation. Each participant is first given a thorough medical examination, including laboratory work, EKG, and a comprehensive physical exam with the center’s physician. Participants also meet with a psychologist, dietitian, and exercise physiologist for evaluations. 2. A comprehensive, individualized plan. From these evaluations, a comprehensive, individualized weight-loss plan is developed. Weight-loss methods may include meal replacement, appetite suppressants, or calorie-restricted diets prepared by a registered dietitian. Other tools used as part of the program include food diaries, pedometers, and discounted membership to Mercy’s Fitness Center. Participants attend weekly education sessions that focus on making positive lifestyle and behavioral changes. Throughout the program, participants have personal contact with a physician, registered dietitians, behavioral therapists, and exercise physiologist for support. 3. Completion & Lifetime Support After completing the first 16-week program, participants have the option of continuing the program for another 16 weeks. They can continue repeating the 16-week program until they feel comfortable on their own. After they graduate from the program, participants are offered long-term support thorough the Maintenance Support Group, which meets twice a month and is free for anyone who completes Mercy’s program. Weight-Loss Surgery In some cases, diet and exercise alone doesn’t lead to significant weight loss. For some very overweight and obese people, weight-loss surgery may be an option. At Mercy, doctors perform a minimally invasive surgery called LAP-BAND, which reduces the size of the stomach, limits how much a person can eat and increases the time it takes the body to digest food. Because there is no large incision and no stomach cutting, stapling or rerouting, it’s considered the safest, least traumatic weight-loss surgery.
LEARN MORE ABOUT:
Lap Banding> Healthy Choices, Healthy Baby: Prenatal Weight Management Pregnancy is an exciting, but often overwhelming time for women. As the body is going through many changes one of the most important choices is ensuring that both mom and baby’s nutritional needs are met. That’s why the Mercy Center for Weight Management has a Prenatal Weight Management Program. Mental health professionals, a registered dietitian and Mercy physicians facilitate the Prenatal Weight Management Program, creating a safe, comprehensive approach to guide women in maintaining a healthy weight during pregnancy. Participants meet weekly and learn to focus on making positive lifestyle changes that lead to maintaining a healthy weight throughout their pregnancy. Each week a new topic is covered; from meal planning, to exercise tips and stress management, expectant mothers will receive crucial educational tools that will provide the support to make the best healthy choices for them, and baby. For meeting times and additional information call Mercy’s Center for Weight Management at 312.567.5555.
|
